Cleaning and Sanitation?

[nahthanS]

What's everyone using for cleaning and sanitation these days?

Back in '98 I started out using bleach to clean and idophor to sanitize. Using bleach is awful, and I don't use it for anything anymore if I can avoid it. It requires too much rinsing. I don't use Idophor anymore either, as it stains everything, and it leaves a very faint flavour behind..

Recently I've been cleaning with PBW and sanitizing with vodka. I have very good results with small batches.

It seems that a lot of people are using Star San these days. I am going to give that a try. What's the cleaner and sanitizer of choice for everyone out there?

[Lufah]

star san. stores great to. as long as the ph is under 3 your good to go.

Travis

[jamilz]

Vodka is a very poor sanitizer.

You need 70% alcohol (140 proof) to be an effective sanitizer.

You should use either iodophor or star san. Used in proper amounts, neither leaves any trace flavors.

[nahthanS]

thanks for the tips! i'll discontinue vodka on the next batch.. It sounds like you'd want something like 151 or everclear if you're going to use an alcohol-based sanitizer. i'll try star san before i consider idophor again.. watching the proportions closely.

A different, but related question.. My water source contains low concentrations of chloramine (increasingly a common substitute to chlorine in municipal water supplies). Unlike chlorine, you can't boil it out. I've read that you can remove it by using the proper amount of sodium metabisulfite. Anyone else out there faced a similar challenge?

[Lufah]

Carbon filter will get it out. At least thats what I use and it works well.

Travis

[Lufah]

I mix up 2.5gal of star san at a time. When I'm done with it I put it in gallon water jugs. It will keep for a long time that way. Use ph strips to check the ph. As long as it stays under 3 you are good. I love the stuff.

Travis

[jamilz]

I use a carbon filter, just like Lufah. It works quite well.

I do know some people that use sodium metabisulfite, but I would use the carbon filter.

[pvignola]

I use B Brite an Iodophor, they have worked great from me for 4 years. No infections and no off flavors that I can taste.